Daiya, Gardein in the Running for peta2’s Libby Awards

More than ever, young people are turning away from meat, eggs, and dairy products and a growing number of food companies are answering their calls for vegan products. peta2, PETA‘s youth division, has nominated several grocery-store brands and products for the eighth annual Libby Awards. “Libby” is for “liberation”—as in animal liberation—and this year’s meat-, egg-, and dairy-free choices are more delicious than ever, PETA officials say.

Nominees for Best Vegan Cheese—a new category this year—include Daiya‘s Swiss Style Slices, a meltable choice for grilled cheese, veggie burgers and more. Quickly rising plant-based meat company Gardein‘s in the running for Best Vegan Meat, thanks to its Sizzling Szechuan Beefless Strips, an addition to stir-frys, pastas, and skewers. And competing for Best Vegan Snack is GoPicnic‘s Hummus & Crackers box, an on-the-go kit that includes a square of dairy-free chocolate.

“Animal rights is one of the fastest-growing social movements in America and worldwide, and young people are leading the charge by insisting on cruelty-free eating,” says PETA director of iouth outreach and campaigns Marta Holmberg. “All our animal-friendly nominees are winners because they’re offering some of the best and most delicious food products on the market.”

Other food-related categories include Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurant Chain and Best Accidentally Vegan Snack. Voting ends on December 13. Winners will be chosen by peta2 based on several factors, including vote count, and will be announced on December 17.